Gowshall helps to guide Town into quarter-finals

AFTER two high-scoring league encounters, things calmed down somewhat on Saturday when Skegness Town eased their way into the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Their 1-0 win, which completed a league and cup double over Hykeham, earned them a last eight place at either Boston United Reserves or Lincoln United Reserves next month.

Town joint boss Gary Edgley said he was pleased with what he called a professional performance, particularly the way the Lilywhites kept a clean sheet after conceding nine goals in the previous two games.

He singled out defender Joby Gowshall for special praise for the way he commanded the defence and dealt with the aerial bombardment from Hykeham.

In truth this was a scrappy game with very few chances, sealed by a Chris Nicholls strike early in the second half.

Hykeham were stronger than when they visited Burgh Road in the league two weeks previously, but they failed to break down a stubborn defence marshalled by man-of-the-match Gowshall.

When they did create openings late in the game poor finishing let them down in front of goal.

At the other end Town looked lively and with ten minutes to go they should have doubled their lead. Damian Howland switched play from right back to Andy Parish at left back. He picked out Liam Papworth, whose cushioned header set up a chance for substitute Daniel Wager, but a great double save from Lee Sizer kept the visitors in the game.